But, in our little dorp, we are just as likely to witness storms, both human and natural, as any other place in the world, and in 2012, Swellendam was shaken by two events which will remain in the memories of the inhabitants for a long time to come.

The fire in the mountains raged for 7 days

The fire which raged for seven days in the Langeberg Mountains in January last year, gave rise to spectacular photos: awe inspiring landscapes, mountains fringed by gold, the drained faces  of exhausted fire-fighters, and subsequently the naked, dead trees in monochrome, strange, quiet beauty.

No-one could fail to be affected by the devastation – the thought of the wildlife that had been lost, the destruction of natural life, the concern for those who fought so hard and long to get things under control. But fourteen months on, the return of birds and animals, the new growth of foliage and fern, the footprints of porcupine, baboons and leopard remind us of the power of Nature to reclaim her own.

The exhausted fire fighters dredged up smiles for the camera

Then, in November, another kind of devastation swept Swellendam, also giving rise to spectacular photos: plumes of black smoke from burning tyres, fire silhouetting buildings in Railton, the strained faces of exhausted police and subsequently, the bare streets, closed shops, and eerie quiet desolation.Although it took place at the same time as the farmworkers’ strikes, the problems in Swellendam were unique to the town, and had more to do with the frustrations of the people with local politicians and administrators.

No-one could fail to be affected by the destruction – the thought of the trust that had been lost, the destruction of livelihood, the concern for those people caught up in a monster not of their own making. After the initial shock, the repercussions: the anger and disappointment, the recriminations and blame: all expressed in different ways, rational, passionate, intellectual, crude and emotional.  The key factor was that these feelings had a way of being  communicated: –  through the medium of modern technology people were able to say how they felt, without fear of harm or revenge. The platform offered by the local press through Facebook offered the opportunity to all to enter into safe debate.  Much of what was written was shocking, some of it was ridiculous, and some was uninformed and demonstrated great gaps in the understanding of the situation.  But all of it came from passion,  and shock at what had happened in the space of one short day!

Fire silhouetting buildings in Railton

Four months on, wounds are still raw. Not enough time has passed yet for significant healing and re-growth.  Some of the problems which caused the fire of rebellion are still deeply rooted, and it will take a long time for mankind, with long held, man-made preconceptions and prejudices to show a healthy and strong re-growth.

A POSITIVE OUTCOME

“There is a fire in human nature tending to purify — so that among these human creatures there is continually some birth of new heroism. The pity is that we must wonder at it, as we should at finding a pearl in rubbish” John Keats

The cleansing effect of the fire in the mountains had a parallel in the cleansing disruption of the trouble in November.

Individuals  removed themselves from the mess of political and administrative dysfunction – projects were started or rejuvenated which were aimed at bringing together the divided community of Swellendam:  local restaurants joined together in an initiative called  StreetSMART raising funds for practical ways of supporting young people from underprivileged communities, Swellendam Tourism, CAP and Score are working on a project to create an Under 19  soccer team called Swellendam United, which will represent the town in the Metropolitan Premier cup in 2014, Journey Trails are running weekend leadership courses in conjunction with Bontebok Park, the community came together recently for an amazing CANSA relay, the recent Swellendam Show was inclusive and heart warming.

All night CanSA Relay

For the fynbos indigenous to this area, fire is essential : for cleansing, germination and healthy re-growth.  For people – sometimes the same is true.

Photos: Cathy Hommes Van Eeden, Carlo Jorge

Oak smoked salmon

We are so lucky in Swellendam to have great restaurants – definitely something for everybody. We have one of the top Italian restaurants in the Western Cape, and at least three other fine dining establishments in heritage buildings.  Family restaurants, coffee shops by the river, under the oaks, opposite the big white church, wood fired pizzerias, pub grub: really, truly something for everyone.

 “How much easier it is to be critical than to be correct.” ― Benjamin Disraeli

If you don’t know what Trip Advisor is, think yourself lucky. It means that you do not run the risk of having someone in your home or eating your food, who potentially is able to tell the whole world on the Internet that you are ‘lazy’, or that your “loo is unclean”(even if it is spotless). You do not run the risk of someone telling the world that your house “overlooks a squatter camp” (when the truth is it overlooks the Langeberg mountains, but that person runs a competitor business, so chooses to lie). You do not have to suffer the indignity of someone saying that there is “no atmosphere” “nothing to see” and a “waste of time” for anyone to visit you. You do not run the risk of losing business because someone tells the world that “you must rather go somewhere else”.

New opportunities opened up for the “amateur critic” through the medium of Internet reviews. Whenever hospitality providers in Swellendam get together, the dreaded subject of Trip Advisor is never far away from the conversation.  However much we claim we don’t care, the truth is that most of us know exactly who has a good review or a terrible one. Most of us know exactly where our guest-house or restaurant is placed on the list, who is top, who is struggling, who is writing their own reviews, and who is paying friends to write reviews! (If we don’t know, we are quite happy to make it up!)

I have been privileged over the last seven years to get to know most of the owners of guest-houses and restaurants in this beautiful town. Without exception, they are hard-working people, who take pride in their businesses and they work hard to market and promote Swellendam, along with their core business of providing a high standard of accommodation or cuisine.  In this town, every tourist can easily find a place to stay or a place to eat that suits their particular requirements.

In Swellendam, tourism is the second largest industry (after farming) supporting economic growth, providing employment, and encouraging  investment .  Every new Rand brought into Swellendam circulates, bringing benefits and increasing opportunities for all, rich and poor, young and old.  It is incumbent on all  residents of any town whose economic prosperity depends on tourism to act as ambassadors, and present to the outside world a positive picture.

‘When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical.’ Unknown

So, my plea, to all residents,  to  business owners, to everyone who really cares about the potential of your town  – please don’t put your desire to become a critic and have your moans and groans displayed out there in the big wide world above your need to live in a prosperous and thriving town. I fully support your right to an opinion, but I do not recommend that you share it with those who will be planning their holidays and choosing whether to spend their money in your home town or “rather go somewhere else”.

If you are not happy with the service, food or accommodation, speak to the owners directly. Preferably at the time, so that they can put things right for you then and there.  If you prefer not to confront them directly, then ask your local Tourism Organisation to intercede on your behalf. If the visitor to town wishes to make a justified criticism, this is fair enough, but you, as a resident, should have the sense to realise that you are damaging the reputation of the town, as well as your own relationships with other businesses. If, on the other hand, your experience has been a positive one, the opposite applies.  Help support our local restaurants and tourist attractions by sharing with the potential visitor the best experiences they can have in this beautiful place.

And, to those of you who have suffered at the sharp end of the opportunity that Trip Advisor offers to every person who considers themselves qualified to judge your humble offering, I offer you this: “Don’t bow down to critics who have not themselves written great masterpieces.” Lawrence Ferlinghetti.